NEW DELHI (TIP): The Union home ministry has said it will take action against police officers who retain personnel at their residences, including guards, and do not return their official vehicles months after their retirement.

“…Various privileges such as personnel at residences, vehicles, personal security etc should be withdrawn within a period of one month after the retirement of any police official,” the ministry said in a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and heads of central police organisations.

According to the ministry, such incidents create a wrong impression in the public mind and are also against the basic decorum and discipline of government service. It said if any retired police officer is to be provided security, it should be on the basis of a specific threat assessment.

“In case, a retired officer fails to follow the instructions, he should be made to pay for various privileges. Similarly, action should be taken against serving officials who do not take timely action to withdraw various privileges mentioned above, from retired officials,” it said.

The ministry has sought a compliance report in this regard by October 31.